Bangladesh’s participation in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, scheduled to be hosted in India, remains uncertain after the International Cricket Council issued a firm deadline to the Bangladesh Cricket Board. The ICC has reportedly asked the BCB to confirm whether the national team will take part in the tournament by January 21, warning that failure to do so could result in Bangladesh being replaced by another team.

According to sources familiar with the discussions, the ICC has made it clear that the tournament schedule will not be altered. Bangladesh has been informed that opting out of travelling to India could lead to exclusion from the competition based on team rankings.

ICC rejects venue change request

The controversy stems from the BCB’s request to shift Bangladesh’s group-stage matches away from India, citing security concerns. The issue was discussed during a meeting between ICC officials and BCB representatives on January 13, but no agreement was reached. The ICC leadership reiterated that there would be no change to the existing T20 World Cup 2026 schedule.

In a subsequent move, the BCB proposed swapping its group with Ireland. The idea was aimed at ensuring Bangladesh’s matches were played in Sri Lanka, where Ireland’s group fixtures are scheduled. However, Ireland’s cricket board later confirmed that it had been assured its schedule would remain unchanged.

Internal backlash and political undertones

The issue has also triggered strong reactions within Bangladesh cricket. Former captain Tamim Iqbal publicly advised the BCB to consider the long-term consequences of refusing to play in India. His comments sparked controversy after a senior BCB official accused him on social media of acting as an “Indian agent”, a post that went viral and eventually led to the official’s removal from his position following player unrest.

How the dispute began

The standoff can be traced back to the Indian Premier League 2026 player auction, where Bangladesh pacer Mustafizur Rahman was bought by a Kolkata-based franchise. Amid heightened political tensions between India and Bangladesh, the Indian cricket board later directed the franchise to remove the player from its squad. Soon after, the BCB formally approached the ICC seeking a neutral venue for its World Cup matches.

With the January 21 deadline approaching, Bangladesh now faces a crucial decision that could determine its presence in one of international cricket’s biggest tournaments.

India’s defeat in the second ODI against New Zealand brought several underlying issues to the surface, with the team’s assistant coach Ryan Ten Doeschate openly admitting shortcomings rather than shielding the players. The loss came on a night when senior batters Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma failed to deliver, leaving India unable to mount a serious challenge.

Speaking after the match, Ten Doeschate pointed to the bowling unit, especially the spinners, as an area that needs immediate improvement in the 50-over format.

“We probably want to bowl a little bit better than we did tonight,” he said, clearly indicating dissatisfaction with the execution, particularly in terms of bowling lengths.

Spinners under scrutiny after lacklustre performance

India managed to take only three wickets while defending their total, with pacers Harshit Rana and Prasidh Krishna accounting for two of them. Kuldeep Yadav picked up one wicket, dismissing Will Young, but by that stage New Zealand had already stitched together a crucial 162-run partnership for the third wicket.

Ten Doeschate acknowledged that while spin bowling was a major concern, the defeat could not be pinned on a single factor.

“Particularly spinners, like you say, about lengths. But we’ll go back and look at those lengths in more detail. But it’s never just one reason for losing a game,” he said, stressing that India’s failure was collective.

New Zealand planned early assault on Kuldeep Yadav

New Zealand batter Daryl Mitchell, who was named Player of the Match, later revealed that the visitors had a clear strategy to counter Kuldeep Yadav early in his spell.

“Kuldeep is one of the best bowlers in the world, he can turn it both ways,” Mitchell said, explaining the respect India’s left-arm spinner commands.

He added that the focus was on adapting quickly and exploring different options to prevent Kuldeep from settling into a rhythm, a plan that worked effectively for New Zealand.

Team India has addressed the debate surrounding Ayush Badoni’s surprise inclusion in the ODI squad for the New Zealand series following Washington Sundar’s injury. Indian batting coach Sitanshu Kotak clarified that Badoni’s selection was driven by balance requirements rather than experimentation.

Washington Sundar was ruled out of the remaining two ODIs against New Zealand due to injury, prompting the selectors to bring in the Delhi all-rounder. While the move sparked discussion, with some observers backing Riyan Parag or Rinku Singh, the team management has defended its decision.

Team management highlights need for all-round option

Speaking ahead of the second ODI, Kotak said the team could not afford to go into a match with only five bowling options, especially in the absence of Sundar.

He explained that Badoni offers flexibility, noting that if a frontline bowler were to get injured mid-match, the team would still need someone capable of bowling four to five overs. Kotak added that while Sundar is a more established all-rounder, teams often opt for players who can contribute with both bat and ball, even if bowling is a secondary skill.

Kotak also pointed to Badoni’s consistent performances in India A matches and white-ball cricket, stating that his ability to bat in the middle order and bowl right-arm off-breaks made him a like-for-like replacement in terms of team balance.

Strong domestic and India A performances

Badoni has impressed in List A cricket, scoring 693 runs in 27 matches at an average of 36.47 and a strike rate above 93. His record includes one century and five half-centuries. With the ball, he has taken 18 wickets at an economy rate of 4.54.

During the South Africa A tour of India last year, Badoni scored 66 in an unofficial ODI and delivered economical bowling spells across two matches. He also contributed during Australia A’s tour, picking up three wickets in two games while adding runs in limited opportunities.

IPL experience adds to credentials

The 24-year-old has featured in 56 IPL matches for Lucknow Super Giants, scoring 963 runs at a strike rate of 138.56. Known for his composure in the middle order, Badoni has registered six IPL half-centuries, strengthening his case as a reliable white-ball option.

Kotak wished Badoni well, expressing confidence that the youngster’s exposure at domestic, India A, and IPL levels has prepared him for the international stage.